IF
Money
Education
Time
Resources
Etc
Etc
Etc
Were NO issue
What would you be doing with your time ?
Are you doing it now ?
All of it ?
Some of it ?
Any of it ?
If not,
WHY NOT?
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
U Me & The Donkey
I came across this former pastor's blog
By Ron Martoia
Hope you enjoy it !!!
Pain brings us to a place where we wrestle with the true stuff of life.
Death, relational fracture, meaning, who I am, deep disappointments
(this is not the way I thought life would turn out!)
all of these give us transformational opportunities why?
Because we come to realize we have been on autopilot with some assumptions…and those assumptions always determine how we understand the self.
The WHO AM I question.
What are some of the assumptions you have operated with over the years that you have come to realize in your awareness were actually causing some of your suffering or preventing you from experiencing full life?
One of my big assumptions
• If you obey God you will be blessed and life will be better and easier for it!
Recognition of our assumptions that inform how we form our identity help us loosen control and dissolve the pain coming from those assumptions
Obedience brings blessing…I can’t tell you how many people I know that have experienced deep pain over this issue because they came to realize after years and years that they were disappointed with God because this was the hidden assumption.
SO
What are you assuming?
By Ron Martoia
Hope you enjoy it !!!
Pain brings us to a place where we wrestle with the true stuff of life.
Death, relational fracture, meaning, who I am, deep disappointments
(this is not the way I thought life would turn out!)
all of these give us transformational opportunities why?
Because we come to realize we have been on autopilot with some assumptions…and those assumptions always determine how we understand the self.
The WHO AM I question.
What are some of the assumptions you have operated with over the years that you have come to realize in your awareness were actually causing some of your suffering or preventing you from experiencing full life?
One of my big assumptions
• If you obey God you will be blessed and life will be better and easier for it!
Recognition of our assumptions that inform how we form our identity help us loosen control and dissolve the pain coming from those assumptions
Obedience brings blessing…I can’t tell you how many people I know that have experienced deep pain over this issue because they came to realize after years and years that they were disappointed with God because this was the hidden assumption.
SO
What are you assuming?
Sunday, April 18, 2010
My Prayer
Breathe On Me
(By Todd Fields, Christy Nockels and Nathan Nockels)
the song that we sang today in church really had an impact on me
VERSE 1
Find me here in this place - Son of God, Saving Grace
At this hour, all my days, breathe on me, breathe on me
Morning Star, shine Your light - as I walk through this life
God of pow'r, God of might - breath on me, breath on me
CHORUS
Forever, You are my reason for living - Merciful Savior unending - Breathe on me
VERSE 2
When I'm weak, You are strong - You breath in me will be my song
In You my King I belong - breathe on me, breathe on me
CHORUS 2
Forever, You are my reason for living - Merciful Savior unending - Breathe on me
Forever, You are the God of my story - Write every line for Your glory - Breathe on me
BRIDGE
Breathe on me, breathe on me
When I am weak, You are strong - Your breath in me will be my song
When I am weak, You are strong, You are strong
OUT
Find me here in this place - Son of God, Saving Grace
At this hour, all my days, breathe on me, breathe on me
More specifically the Line that reads
The 2nd line of the 2nd chorus had the greatest impact on me today
You are the God of my story,
write every line for your glory
May every line be lived out
Starting today
Even if I have to stop
and redo it
over and over again
before I get it right
Every line ~ 4 ur GLORY !!!
:)
(By Todd Fields, Christy Nockels and Nathan Nockels)
the song that we sang today in church really had an impact on me
VERSE 1
Find me here in this place - Son of God, Saving Grace
At this hour, all my days, breathe on me, breathe on me
Morning Star, shine Your light - as I walk through this life
God of pow'r, God of might - breath on me, breath on me
CHORUS
Forever, You are my reason for living - Merciful Savior unending - Breathe on me
VERSE 2
When I'm weak, You are strong - You breath in me will be my song
In You my King I belong - breathe on me, breathe on me
CHORUS 2
Forever, You are my reason for living - Merciful Savior unending - Breathe on me
Forever, You are the God of my story - Write every line for Your glory - Breathe on me
BRIDGE
Breathe on me, breathe on me
When I am weak, You are strong - Your breath in me will be my song
When I am weak, You are strong, You are strong
OUT
Find me here in this place - Son of God, Saving Grace
At this hour, all my days, breathe on me, breathe on me
More specifically the Line that reads
The 2nd line of the 2nd chorus had the greatest impact on me today
You are the God of my story,
write every line for your glory
May every line be lived out
Starting today
Even if I have to stop
and redo it
over and over again
before I get it right
Every line ~ 4 ur GLORY !!!
:)
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Father Knows BEST
As I was reading today I came across this story in a devotional book that I read often called Streams in the Desert. The excerpt is from the April 17 Reading Pages 158-160
The hand of the LORD has done this. (Job 12:9)
A number of years ago the most magnificent diamond in the history of the world was found... It was then presented to the King of England to embellish his crown of state. The king sent it to Amsterdam to be cut by an expert stonecutter.
He took this gem of priceless value and cut a notch in it. Then he struck it one hard time with his hammer, and the majestic jewel fell into his hand, broken in two.
That one blow with the hammer had been studied and planned for days, and even weeks. Drawings and models had been made of the gem. Its quality, defects, and possible lines along which it would split had all been studied to the smallest detail. And the man to whom it was entrusted was one of the most skilled stonecutters in the world.
The blow was no mistake it was the capstone and culmination of the stonecutter's skill. When he struck that blow, he did the one thing that would bring that gem to its most perfect shape, radiance, and jeweled splendor. The blow that seemed to be the ruin of the majestic precious stone was actually its perfect redemption, for from the halves were fashioned two magnificent gems. Only the skilled eye of the expert stonecutter could have seen the beauty of two diamonds hidden in the rough, uncut stone as it came from the mine.
Sometimes, in the same way, GOD lets a stinging blow fall on your life. You bleed, feeling the pain, and your soul cries out in agony. At first you think the blow is an appalling mistake. BUT it is not, for you are the most precious jewel in the world to God. And He is the most skilled stonecutter in the universe.
Someday you are to be a jewel adorning the crown of the KING. As you lie in His hand now, He knows just how to deal with you. Not one blow will be permitted to fall on your apprehensive soul except what the love of God allows. And you may be assured that from the depths of the experience, you will see untold blessings, and spiritual enrichment you have never before imagined.
Not a single blow can hit,
Till the God of love sees fit.
The hand of the LORD has done this. (Job 12:9)
A number of years ago the most magnificent diamond in the history of the world was found... It was then presented to the King of England to embellish his crown of state. The king sent it to Amsterdam to be cut by an expert stonecutter.
He took this gem of priceless value and cut a notch in it. Then he struck it one hard time with his hammer, and the majestic jewel fell into his hand, broken in two.
That one blow with the hammer had been studied and planned for days, and even weeks. Drawings and models had been made of the gem. Its quality, defects, and possible lines along which it would split had all been studied to the smallest detail. And the man to whom it was entrusted was one of the most skilled stonecutters in the world.
The blow was no mistake it was the capstone and culmination of the stonecutter's skill. When he struck that blow, he did the one thing that would bring that gem to its most perfect shape, radiance, and jeweled splendor. The blow that seemed to be the ruin of the majestic precious stone was actually its perfect redemption, for from the halves were fashioned two magnificent gems. Only the skilled eye of the expert stonecutter could have seen the beauty of two diamonds hidden in the rough, uncut stone as it came from the mine.
Sometimes, in the same way, GOD lets a stinging blow fall on your life. You bleed, feeling the pain, and your soul cries out in agony. At first you think the blow is an appalling mistake. BUT it is not, for you are the most precious jewel in the world to God. And He is the most skilled stonecutter in the universe.
Someday you are to be a jewel adorning the crown of the KING. As you lie in His hand now, He knows just how to deal with you. Not one blow will be permitted to fall on your apprehensive soul except what the love of God allows. And you may be assured that from the depths of the experience, you will see untold blessings, and spiritual enrichment you have never before imagined.
Not a single blow can hit,
Till the God of love sees fit.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
It’s A Choice
Reading from Feb. 24, 2010
Numbers 14-15; Mark 3
TOPIC: Obedience
SCRIPTURE: "The person who obeys God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:35)
OBSERVATION: In case you didn't read this chapter, I'll fill you in on the context so that these words will hopefully sink in a little deeper.
Jesus has been healing many people. And He came to a home and the crowd had gathered to such an extent that they could not even eat a meal. N0w that is crowded!!!
Then His mother and His brothers arrived, and standing outside they sent word to Him and called Him. A crowd was sitting around Him, and they said to Him, Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are outside looking for you.
Jesus responded, “Who do you think are my mother and brothers?” Looking around, taking in everyone seated around him, he said, “Right here, right in front of you – my mother and my brother. Obedience is thicker than blood. The person who obeys God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:33-35)
For any family to function well that has to be some
BASIC shared elements
In this case we see that
there is no way - for us
to come to God
that does not involve
o
b
e
d
i
e
n
c
e
APPLICATION: Will you do something not for me, but for yourself
Take a minute to do this
Mentally ~ go back in time
How far you ask?
a day
a week
a month
a year
a decade
a lifetime
I don't care, You pick, it doesn't matter to me
As you are looking back over your life
Isn’t it true ???
that you would have avoided
your biggest regrets
IF
you would have
ONLY
OBEYED
???
In that moment
I don't know if you know this but
We are called to obey
day by day,
moment by moment.
Even in the moments
when it feels like we are dying
Which we are
To SELF that is
OBEDIENCE
it is truly the only way to really live.
The Questions Is:
Will I obey when obedience means doing something uncomfortable?
Now that's a tough one isn't it?
I'll leave you with that
Have a great day!!!
Remember even that is a choice
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help me to realize the full impact of this truth
Numbers 14-15; Mark 3
TOPIC: Obedience
SCRIPTURE: "The person who obeys God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:35)
OBSERVATION: In case you didn't read this chapter, I'll fill you in on the context so that these words will hopefully sink in a little deeper.
Jesus has been healing many people. And He came to a home and the crowd had gathered to such an extent that they could not even eat a meal. N0w that is crowded!!!
Then His mother and His brothers arrived, and standing outside they sent word to Him and called Him. A crowd was sitting around Him, and they said to Him, Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are outside looking for you.
Jesus responded, “Who do you think are my mother and brothers?” Looking around, taking in everyone seated around him, he said, “Right here, right in front of you – my mother and my brother. Obedience is thicker than blood. The person who obeys God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:33-35)
For any family to function well that has to be some
BASIC shared elements
In this case we see that
there is no way - for us
to come to God
that does not involve
o
b
e
d
i
e
n
c
e
APPLICATION: Will you do something not for me, but for yourself
Take a minute to do this
Mentally ~ go back in time
How far you ask?
a day
a week
a month
a year
a decade
a lifetime
I don't care, You pick, it doesn't matter to me
As you are looking back over your life
Isn’t it true ???
that you would have avoided
your biggest regrets
IF
you would have
ONLY
OBEYED
???
In that moment
I don't know if you know this but
We are called to obey
day by day,
moment by moment.
Even in the moments
when it feels like we are dying
Which we are
To SELF that is
OBEDIENCE
it is truly the only way to really live.
The Questions Is:
Will I obey when obedience means doing something uncomfortable?
Now that's a tough one isn't it?
I'll leave you with that
Have a great day!!!
Remember even that is a choice
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help me to realize the full impact of this truth
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Pre-Launch
Reading from Feb. 23, 2010
Numbers 12-13;Ps.90; Mark 2
TOPIC: Confirmation
SCRIPTURE: “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; And confirm for us the work of our hands; Yes, confirm the work of our hands." (Ps. 90:17)
OBSERVATION: As I read through Ps. 90 the last verse caught my attention. Especially in light of the fact that not only is the word confirm repeated but that the entire statement is repeated. Many times through scripture when something is repeated it is important. Which means we ought to pay at least a little attention
The words that follow popped up when I looked up the word confirm in my Thesaurus
Corroboration; Verification; Substantiation; Proof; Authentication; Evidence; Affirmation; Authorization; Approval; Sanction; Endorsement; Ratification; Attestation; Agreement Consent; Permission; Certification; Support;; Evidence; Testimony; Validation
APPLICATION: I don’t know about you but it sure does help knowing that God’s got your back when you are going into a new:
Project
Ministry
Relationship
Challenge
Territory
_____________ (U fill N the blank)
With that in mind
Before
we
That’s me
&
U
Before we launch
into anything
Why don't we check with HIM 1st
Just to make sure He’s in agreement with our:
Plans
Thoughts
Intentions
Actions
___________ ( U fill N the blank)
Don’t you think that’s a good idea?
Me too
So, let’s do it
Let’s get His permission
BEFORE
Not AFTER
NOT DURING
BUT
BEFORE
we launch
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, my prayer is simply a repeat of Moses’ prayer. Please Father let your favor be upon me and confirm the works of my hands Yes I repeat PLEASE confirm the works of my hands.
Numbers 12-13;Ps.90; Mark 2
TOPIC: Confirmation
SCRIPTURE: “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; And confirm for us the work of our hands; Yes, confirm the work of our hands." (Ps. 90:17)
OBSERVATION: As I read through Ps. 90 the last verse caught my attention. Especially in light of the fact that not only is the word confirm repeated but that the entire statement is repeated. Many times through scripture when something is repeated it is important. Which means we ought to pay at least a little attention
The words that follow popped up when I looked up the word confirm in my Thesaurus
Corroboration; Verification; Substantiation; Proof; Authentication; Evidence; Affirmation; Authorization; Approval; Sanction; Endorsement; Ratification; Attestation; Agreement Consent; Permission; Certification; Support;; Evidence; Testimony; Validation
APPLICATION: I don’t know about you but it sure does help knowing that God’s got your back when you are going into a new:
Project
Ministry
Relationship
Challenge
Territory
_____________ (U fill N the blank)
With that in mind
Before
we
That’s me
&
U
Before we launch
into anything
Why don't we check with HIM 1st
Just to make sure He’s in agreement with our:
Plans
Thoughts
Intentions
Actions
___________ ( U fill N the blank)
Don’t you think that’s a good idea?
Me too
So, let’s do it
Let’s get His permission
BEFORE
Not AFTER
NOT DURING
BUT
BEFORE
we launch
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, my prayer is simply a repeat of Moses’ prayer. Please Father let your favor be upon me and confirm the works of my hands Yes I repeat PLEASE confirm the works of my hands.
Friday, February 19, 2010
My Hope & Prayer
Reading from Feb. 19, 2010
Numbers 5-6; Ps.22; Acts 26
TOPIC: Conversion
SCRIPTURE: “I wish to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am….” (Acts 26:19)
OBSERVATION: In this verse the Apostle Paul is doing his best to convince King Agrippa that his testimony is true all the way through. King Agrippa responds to one of Paul’s questions by saying “In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian. And then Paul follows up with ABSOLUTELY
I wish to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am…
APPLICATION: SO - How r u doing at
Influencing?
Convincing?
Persuading?
From my reading I believe the Holy Spirit wants to remind us to
Be like Paul & be a persuader
Persuade means to succeed
O Don't you want to succeed at this (I know that you do)
So
STOP right now and think of that person or those people
that you love that do not have a personal relationship with Jesus
NOW
Think of them entering into Eternity without that relationship
IN LIGHT OF ALL THAT
Let's get back to the definition of the word Persuade
Persuade means to succedd in convincing somebody to do something, especially by reasoning, pleading, coaxing or by giving them good reasons for doing so
SO
Get to it
Remember Eternity is at stake!!!
Get to giving everyone a good reason
(lets make that a GREAT reason - OK?)
for starting and growing in a relationship with Jesus
Be the reason they want to know Jesus
Be the reason they want to love Him
This reminds me of an Al Denson Song entitled Be
The Lyrics Read:
Be here in my eyes So others may see The beauty and presence
of Your love In one who was blind but now believes
Be here in my heart Flow through my blood Strengthen my soul
and wash me clean A living example of what Your grace has done
I will walk beside You I give You my life And when others seek to find You
May I be a light that shines
Be here in my hands Give me Your touch Use me to comfort
and to build Shelter for those who need Your love Breathe words to my lips
So I may speak Echo Your truth and living words Lord, make me all I can be
I will walk beside You Jesus, I give You my life And when others seek to find You
May I be the light that shines
Be here in my heart Flow through my blood Strengthen my soul and
wash me clean Lord, make me all that I can be Lord,
please make me all that I can be
So what are you waiting on
Start today
Why not right now
Be intentional about persuading
( I hope this goes without saying
but please do this in the right spirit)
A Spirit of Unconditional LOVE
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to do everything within my power to persuade everyone I come in contact with.
Numbers 5-6; Ps.22; Acts 26
TOPIC: Conversion
SCRIPTURE: “I wish to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am….” (Acts 26:19)
OBSERVATION: In this verse the Apostle Paul is doing his best to convince King Agrippa that his testimony is true all the way through. King Agrippa responds to one of Paul’s questions by saying “In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian. And then Paul follows up with ABSOLUTELY
I wish to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am…
APPLICATION: SO - How r u doing at
Influencing?
Convincing?
Persuading?
From my reading I believe the Holy Spirit wants to remind us to
Be like Paul & be a persuader
Persuade means to succeed
O Don't you want to succeed at this (I know that you do)
So
STOP right now and think of that person or those people
that you love that do not have a personal relationship with Jesus
NOW
Think of them entering into Eternity without that relationship
IN LIGHT OF ALL THAT
Let's get back to the definition of the word Persuade
Persuade means to succedd in convincing somebody to do something, especially by reasoning, pleading, coaxing or by giving them good reasons for doing so
SO
Get to it
Remember Eternity is at stake!!!
Get to giving everyone a good reason
(lets make that a GREAT reason - OK?)
for starting and growing in a relationship with Jesus
Be the reason they want to know Jesus
Be the reason they want to love Him
This reminds me of an Al Denson Song entitled Be
The Lyrics Read:
Be here in my eyes So others may see The beauty and presence
of Your love In one who was blind but now believes
Be here in my heart Flow through my blood Strengthen my soul
and wash me clean A living example of what Your grace has done
I will walk beside You I give You my life And when others seek to find You
May I be a light that shines
Be here in my hands Give me Your touch Use me to comfort
and to build Shelter for those who need Your love Breathe words to my lips
So I may speak Echo Your truth and living words Lord, make me all I can be
I will walk beside You Jesus, I give You my life And when others seek to find You
May I be the light that shines
Be here in my heart Flow through my blood Strengthen my soul and
wash me clean Lord, make me all that I can be Lord,
please make me all that I can be
So what are you waiting on
Start today
Why not right now
Be intentional about persuading
( I hope this goes without saying
but please do this in the right spirit)
A Spirit of Unconditional LOVE
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to do everything within my power to persuade everyone I come in contact with.
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